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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Although it’s still nice and warm, I decided to start getting ready for the upcoming cooler months by wearing flats yesterday. Unfortunately, after a few months of sandals, my feet still hurt today. I decided I am going to try and shop for comfortable shoes, so I am sharing some of the tips I found.

The first is to make sure you have enough time to thoroughly shop. This way you can get the right size, walk in the shoes a bit, and inspect them.

The most important thing for finding comfortable shoes is to make sure they fit will, which isn’t as easy as it sounds. Although size is important, it can vary between brands and doesn’t include the width of feet. To make sure you get the right size, try on a size larger and a size smaller than you normally wear (Stimpert, n.d.).

Because shoes swell during the day, shop in the evening so shoes will fit at the end of the day when feet are tired and slightly larger.

Furthermore, although pointy toed shoes are coming back for fall, many of aren’t the most comfortable. Round –toed shoes win that award (Stimpert, n.d.). However, according to Suzanne Levine, a podiatric surgeon in New York City, if the pointy toe is long and wide enough it can be, what is called a “false front,” and give the foot more room (Real Simple, 2009).

The inside of the shoe is often what causes the most discomfort. To try to avoid this, check the inside of the shoe. Try to avoid exposed seems and any bumps or unevenness on the sides (Stimpert, n.d.). Also, check the cushioning. Press a finger inside, it should dent and push back (Real Simple, 2009).

Heels are notorious for making you feel confident and attractive, but also for the pain they cause. To try to alleviate some of that pain, pick a lower height and a wider, sturdier heel (Stimpert, n.d.). Also, consider a wedge, which more evenly distributes your weight (Real Simple, 2009).

Hope you’ll now have shoes you can walk miles in!

Please let me know if any of these tips helped you or if you have any other great ideas!